Canadian Forces members saluted for successful Libya mission

With pomp and ceremony, heaps of praise and a touch of humility, a ceremony on Parliament Hill Thursday honoured Canada’s military for a job well done in Libya.

A parade of decorated Canadian Forces members lined a red carpet that welcomed Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Gov. Gen. David Johnston, Defence Minister Peter MacKay and Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Walt Natyncyk. Spectators also gathered behind a security fence — some waving Libya flags — to take in the 21-gun salute and flyby of various aircraft deployed to the Libya mission.

In an address in the Senate following the outdoor ceremony, Harper called it a special day to celebrate a “great military success.”

“It is a day to pay tribute to the extraordinary men and women of our armed forced who played their part and, yes, it is a day to honour the great Canadian who led them,” he said.

Lt.-Gen. Charles Bouchard was decorated with the Meritorious Service Cross for commanding the NATO-led mission.

The commemoration ceremony was the first of its kind and somewhat controversial, since the government has not yet held a formal ceremony to honour the thousands of troops who served in Afghanistan. Officials have said that’s because the mission is still not over, even though the CF role has transitioned from combat to training.

Harper extended thoughts to those still serving abroad in dangerous missions, particularly in Afghanistan where Canada will remain until 2014. Bouchard also praised the 2,342 Canadian Forces personnel deployed in 18 ongoing international missions. Noting he was “most humbled” by the medal, Bouchard called the uniformed Canadian Forces members assembled in the Senate “the true Canadian heroes.”

“The members of Canadian Forces performed their duty with gallantry, with courage and with pride. They are the fighter pilots who went beyond even our own personal recovery to engage deep targets. They are the piolots who conducted what NATO secretary general referred to as the most precise air campaign in NATO’s history,” Bouchard said.

Bouchard, who is retiring from the Canadian Forces after 37 years of service, also praised the civilian population the mission was designed to protect.

“Libya, and Libyans, are the true victors of this campaign. They have won their war, and every day as we see it, they are winning their peace,” he said.

Commander Craig Skjerpen could not say if the ceremony will set a precedent or expectation for returning Canadian Forces members from other missions, but he said the recognition of Canadians who have served their country was most welcome.

“I think the families are being recognized as well, to have their loved ones here sends a signal that the sacrifice that they make as well is being honoured,” Skjerpen said.

For Sarah Algabroun, the ceremony was a chance to extend gratitude for the Canadians who helped free her home land. She brought two bouquets of red roses and mixed flowers to offer the military men and women.

“Gadhafi was killing our people there, and they sent their military to help us. Maybe they could have lost their life for us, and we need to thank them for that,” Albabroun said.

In a news conference, Bouchard said he was disappointed but not necessarily surprised by Gadhafi’s demise, given the brutality he inflicted on his people.

“The death of Gadhafi was unfortunate in the sense that I would have preferred to see him taken to justice. Was I surprised by it, it’s difficult to say considering the oppression these folks went through, and the heat of the moment that took place,” he said.

Bouchard credited sound strategy, strict discipline and advanced technology for the mission’s success. He said it bodes well for NATO that the military alliance put a mission together so quickly and saw it come to a successful and relatively swift end. The operation is also a feather in Canada’s cap on the world stage.

“We know we can take leadership positions, whether in command in the air, at sea or on land. We know we have the capabilities – this is an institution that creates great leaders. I watch them every day,” he said.